Grinding gears while downshifting througout my 1st week wit' my mentor

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by RookieJ1987, Apr 27, 2013.

  1. RookieJ1987

    RookieJ1987 Medium Load Member

    395
    111
    Apr 27, 2013
    Fort Worth, TX
    0
    1st week wit my mentor already in the books yesterday, but still havin a lil problems here and there on my downshifting when I come to a sudden stop, for example a quick light change. It was also a problem when I was back in school but I got a lil better at it just enough to pass my road test.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

    7,386
    36,568
    May 3, 2011
    Redding,CA
    0
    idk about others but when i come to a sudden stop there isnt much downshifting its more of just pushing in the clutch and slowing down
     
  4. Krashdragon

    Krashdragon Medium Load Member

    651
    305
    Apr 10, 2012
    Cleburne, Tx
    0
    No, I dont drive but almost every new driver that's posted his/her first week or two has said exactly the same thing. And the guys here post back not to worry, just keep practicing and try to drive as smoothly as you can. So no worry, you're normal. :biggrin_25525:
    Take care and drive safe.
    Mary
     
  5. WannaB_trucker

    WannaB_trucker Light Load Member

    81
    26
    Feb 1, 2013
    0
    Hey im currently a student and my cdl driving test is wednesday. I used to have that problem too, what works for me "is clutch come out the gear, line up with the gear ur going to, apply liitle pressure on the shifter at the same time while your applying the pressure rev the rpm to about 15 is should slide in no problem
     
  6. BlueSparrow

    BlueSparrow Light Load Member

    53
    42
    Apr 5, 2013
    0
    Sudden stop just brake and push the clutch in.
     
    Rugerfan Thanks this.
  7. Crossroads

    Crossroads Light Load Member

    239
    236
    Feb 28, 2013
    Lumberton NC
    0
    It sounds like you may be using the brakes too much and not using the tranni/engine brake to control your braking. What RPM are you reving the engine to on a quick downshift. Try to avoid sudden stops and drop a gear on a stale green anticipating a stop, if it stays green accelerate through once you hit the point of no return. Also note what speed you are at and what gear you are trying to put it into. When you are upshifting see if that gear fits in the speed range for that gear.
     
    RookieJ1987 Thanks this.
  8. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

    7,386
    36,568
    May 3, 2011
    Redding,CA
    0
    theres no such thing as downshifting when theres a sudden stop. If your downshifting then its not a sudden stop
     
  9. Trucker Bug

    Trucker Bug Light Load Member

    117
    86
    Jan 24, 2013
    California
    0
    Its common. Don't sweat it

    Even the veterans have days they grind
     
    RookieJ1987 Thanks this.
  10. CenutryClass

    CenutryClass Road Train Member

    1,539
    859
    Feb 15, 2006
    0
    grind em till you find em bud..lol
     
  11. SAMMY6969

    SAMMY6969 Medium Load Member

    371
    121
    Nov 12, 2011
    0
    Dude relax....all of us still grind it happens..watch your speed befor u pick a gear..lol happens alot just befor its tym to shut it down for the night..lol..
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.